Guide To First Aid For Dogs

Every dog owner makes every effort to keep their furry friend safe from illness, injuries, and other medical emergencies. Nonetheless, accidents happen once in a while to dogs, creating the need for first aid care.

Whether at home, traveling, or out for a walk with your dog, your pet’s vet isn’t always at close reach when emergencies happen. For this reason, knowing how to give first aid to your sick or injured dog can be the difference between life and death. 

We love dogs and treasure their safety! That’s why we put together this complete dog first aid guide. Here, you’ll find info and practical tips on how to give your furry friend first immediate care when illness or injury occurs. 

What is Dog First Aid?

Dog first aid is the immediate first care you give to your dog following a medical emergency such as illness or injury. 

Dog medical emergencies that necessitate first aid occur in different forms, including: 

• Attacks from wild animals
• Falls 
• Cuts and wounds
• Burns
• Bites wounds (snakes, coyotes, squirrels, etc.).
• Fractures 
• Heatstroke
• Traffic accidents
• Seizures
• Poisons and toxins
• Electric shock

Whichever of these emergencies affects your dog, the primary purpose of dog first aid is to:

• Minimize pain and discomfort.
• Preserve your dog’s life.
• Prevent the illness or injury from worsening.
• Enhance the chances of recovery and minimize the odds of permanent damage like disfigurement or disability.

Because giving first aid to your dog requires some medical equipment and drugs, a dog first aid kit is a must-have for every dog owner. In the following section, we tell you what you should include in your dog’s first aid kit.

Dog First Aid Kit

When planning to bring home a puppy, a dog first aid kit should feature on your list of resources for your new furry friend. Usually, a main dog first aid kit is kept at home for emergencies. However, it is advisable to have a smaller dog first aid kit in your backpack when you walk or go hiking with your pet and one in your car for when you travel with your dog. 

So, what should a basic dog first aid kit contain? Here’s a list of all the items your dog first aid kit should contain. The list is organized in categories based on the type of emergency.

Dog First Aid Items for bites, Cuts, and Wounds

• Wound bandages.
• Blunt-ended scissors (the curved end is better).
• Antiseptic wound wash.
• Antibiotic ointment or spray.
• Milk of Magnesia (Used to absorb and neutralize poisons. Consult a vet for instructions of use).
• Cotton wool.
• Alcohol/antiseptic wipes.
• Absorbent gauze pads.
• Tweezers.
• Tick remover.
• Self-adhesive tape.
• Dressing gauze.
• Vinyl gloves.
• Dog first aid guide book.

First Aid Items for Falls, Fractures, and Dislocations

• Elastic bandages.
• Dog carrier backpacks to carry your dog in case the pet can’t walk due to illness or injury or is too tired. These are especially handy during hikes.
• Pain relief spray for dogs.

Dog First Aid Items for Extreme Weather

• Digital thermometer.
• Foil blanket (to prevent hypothermia).
• Dog socks.

Dog First Aid Medication

• Supply of any vet-prescribed med (e.g. Insulin for diabetic dogs).
• Dewormers and flea and tick meds for upcoming doses.
• Pain relievers (avoid OTC options unless confirmed safe by your dog’s vet).
• Snake antivenom (if affordable).
• Antihistamine for insect stings and allergic reactions (talk to your vet about the best option for your dog).
• Saline eye solution.
• Chlorhexidine solution for dogs (for cleaning and disinfecting cuts and wounds and clearing skin infections.
• Antibacterial ointment for wounds.

Use a BPA-free container to organize your dog’s drugs in the first aid kit. Also, ensure you regularly replace meds with approaching expiry dates with longer-lasting ones.

Miscellaneous Items for Dog First Aid Kit

• Hydrogen peroxide (good for getting rid of skunk spray).
• Baking soda (used to make skunk spray cleaning solution).
• Collapsible water bowl.

Other Travel or Backpack Dog First Aid Kit Items

For backpack and travel dog first aid kits, these additions should be included:

• Your Dog’s Health Documents: copy of medical records, vaccination records, your name, phone number, your vet clinic name and address, and alternative veterinary emergency clinics.  
• Emergency phone numbers and addresses for your dog’s vet clinic or other emergency clinics in the area.

Alternative Premade Dog First Aid Kits 

If you want to skip the trouble of preparing a dog first aid kit from scratch, you can purchase a premade dog first aid kit and top up any missing items.

There are several options in the market. We recommend the RAYCO Pet First Aid Kit from Amazon.com, which comes with all the items listed above, plus a flashing LED collar and a tag for your dog’s name and owner info.

So, what dog emergencies will require you to use these first aid items? We address that in the next section.

Common Dog Emergencies that Require First Aid

There are innumerable emergencies for which your dog can require first aid. Since we can’t exhaust the long list of dog emergencies, we discuss first aid for the most common and serious dog emergencies.

First Aid for Dogs Sprayed by a Skunk

Skunks are common in the wild, and like all wild animals, they have natural ways of keeping away predators. If you are out in the wild with your dog and your pet encounters a skunk, it is highly likely that the dog will get skunked.

Skunk spray is a substance produced by the skunk’s anal glands as self-defense from predators. It contains thiol chemicals that are sulfurous and can be toxic. A skunk spray can be spread up to 15 feet away.

If your dog is sprayed by a skunk, you should perform these first aid steps: 

You may need to clean your own clothes after washing your dog to eliminate any smell. Wash your clothes with baking soda and regular laundry detergent. Read the complete details in our comprehensive article on first aid for dog sprayed by skunk. 

First Aid for Dogs Stung by a Bee or Wasp

Dogs love sniffing around and often get stung by a bee or wasp on their nose or other body parts like the paws. Usually, bee and wasp stings cause mild irritation and pain. However, dogs can get allergic reactions from bee or wasp stings and require a vet’s attention. 

Giving immediate first aid to a dog stung by a bee or wasp can prevent allergic reactions. It will also minimize other discomforts that make your dog whine, hold up their paw, limp, nibble the sting spot, drool, paw at their mouth or face, swell, or get hives.

Find details in our complete article on dog first aid for bee and wasp stings. Nonetheless, here’s a quick summary of what you should do when your dog gets stung by a bee or wasp.

Take your dog to the vet if he shows adverse allergic reactions.

First Aid for Dogs Bitten by a Snake

Rattlesnake or other venomous snake bites on dogs are a medical emergency that should be attended to by a vet immediately. However, because vets can be far to reach, giving first aid to your dog after a snake bite can determine if your dog survives a snake bite or not. 

According to the Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies, about 80% of pets survive snake bites if prompt first aid is given and vet treatment administered soon after. 

Dogs bitten by a snake will show mild symptoms such as swelling and pain, limping, and tiny bite marks or severe symptoms such as panting, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In serious cases, your dog may experience seizures or even collapse.

To preserve your dog’s life, follow these steps to give immediate first aid for dog snake bites:

Dog First Aid for Cuts and Wounds

Whether at home or during a hiking spree, your dog can get a cut or wound. While minor wounds may just need simple first aid care, large cuts and wounds will need veterinary attention after first aid.

The primary purpose of dog first aid for cuts and wounds is to stop bleeding and prevent infection. To treat your dog’s cuts and wounds, you’ll need supplies such as sterile gauze and bandages, a disinfecting solution such as Chlorhexidine solution for dogs, an antibacterial ointment, a pair of scissors, and tweezers.

Here’s how to give first aid to your dog for cuts and wounds: 

If the wound or cut is large and still bleeding after first aid, bring your dog to the vet for further attention. 

Dog First Aid for Burns

Burns on dogs can be caused by open fires or spilled hot liquids such as oil or chemicals. Because burns are extremely painful and can easily be infected and cause scars on your dog’s skin, they should be attended to immediately with first aid care and then checked by a vet.

Here’s what to do for first aid if your dog has a burn:

While waiting for the vet, monitor your dog for any adverse symptoms such as difficulty in breathing and consult your vet about what action to take.

First Aid for Dogs with Heatstroke

Heatstroke, sometimes called heat exhaustion or hyperthermia, is a serious condition that develops when your dog is too hot and unable to regulate and lower body temperature.

A dog’s normal temperature is around 101.5°F (38.6°C), and temperatures above this range put your dog at risk of heatstroke. The three main risk factors for heatstroke in dogs are: 

• Overheating when exercising.
• Prolonged exposure to hot weather while staying still in the same position.
• Being in a hot car for long periods.

Hyperthermia in dogs manifests in symptoms such as persistent panting, foaming and drooling, red gums, shaking, general weakness, and vomiting. If nothing is done, your dog can go into seizures, collapse, or even die. These extreme consequences of heatstroke underline why giving a dog first aid for heatstroke is crucial.

Here’s what you should do as first aid for a dog at risk of heatstroke:

If your dog had heatstroke in a hot car, ensure the car is cool before bringing the pet back to the car to take him to the vet. You can read more about dogs heat exhaustion and heat stroke in our complete article on this topic.

Dog First Aid for Broken Bones

Broken bones in dogs can result from falls or traffic accidents. Because they are extremely painful and can cause adverse damage, broken bones in dogs are among the emergencies that require immediate vet care.

However, giving first aid before the vet arrives or before you can get your dog to a vet clinic is crucial. Follow these steps to offer your dog first aid in case of broken bones.

Note: You should never apply antiseptic or ointment on a fracture, especially if open.

First Aid for Dogs Bitten by a Coyote

Coyote attacks and bites on dogs are common in areas where these wild canines are found. What’s more, coyote bites can be awfully harmful, causing severe injury and damage to body organs. Coyotes can also pass the rabies virus to unvaccinated dogs and dog owners attending to coyote dog bites without proper protection. 

Most experts will advise that coyote bites and injuries on dogs be immediately attended to by a veterinarian. As such, the first aid steps for a dog bitten by a coyote are directed towards getting your dog to the vet:

First Aid for Dogs Bitten by a Squirrel

Squirrel bites on dogs are not common because dogs pursue squirrels and not vice versa. But the struggle between a dog and a squirrel can lead to a squirrel biting on a dog, especially on the face. 

The harm caused by squirrel bites is usually mild. But squirrels can carry plenty of bacteria in their mouths and cause serious infections on your dog. It is advisable that squirrel bites on dogs be checked by a vet as soon as possible. Before then, though, these first aid steps should be taken: 

Dog First aid for Choking

Choking is a common topic when it comes to dog first aid. Dogs can choke from trying to chew on stuff they shouldn’t such as sticks and plastic bags. Choking can also happen when a dog tries to catch toys and balls, and they end up in the dog’s airway.

A choking dog will retch, pace back and forth, and paw at its mouth. Alternatively, the dog may simply look at you with wide-open eyes to ask for help if the airway is completely blocked and they can’t make any sound.

Chocking is more than an emergency as it can kill your dog in minutes. As such, giving effective first aid is important. Here’s how to give first aid to a choking dog to save their life:

If this does not work, perform the Heimlich maneuver as follows:

4. Place your arms around the dog’s belly. With one hand holding the dog firmly, form the other hand into a fist and push firmly up and forwards behind the dog’s rib cage to make the object pop out.
5. Alternatively, if the dog is lying down, hold the back with one hand and use the other to squeeze the belly upwards. 
6. Remove objects in the mouth once dislodged from the dog’s throat. 

Once the object is removed, visit a vet for a checkup to ensure no damage was done to your dog’s throat. 

First Aid for Dog Seizures

A seizure, also described as a fit or convulsion, is a condition where a sudden wave of electrical activity happens in your dog’s brain and causes temporary dysfunction in brain messaging. 

Seizures in dogs can be caused by health conditions such as epilepsy, liver or kidney disease, brain tumors, low blood sugar, oxygen and calcium deficiencies, or hyperthermia. Also, head injuries, extreme stress, or poisoning can cause dog seizures. 

Seizures make the dog become rigid, collapse, or lose control of its movements. Depending on the cause and the severity of the seizure, extreme damage can be caused to body functions. 

To prevent damage, you should perform the following first aid care to a dog experiencing a seizure: 

Once the seizure is over, your dog is likely to be a bit disoriented. Hydrate your dog and let him rest as you wait for or drive to the vet.

Dog First Aid for Poisons and Toxins

Poisons and toxins are substances that cause harm to your dog when they enter the body in sufficient amounts.

The mode of exposure to poisons can vary from ingesting poisonous food, inhaling toxic gases or plants, or getting poison to the body through the skin. Whichever of these is the case, you may notice poisoning symptoms such as allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, or even seizures. Some types of poisons may be slow in showing any symptoms.

If you suspect that your dog has been exposed to poison or toxic substances, consult your dog’s vet immediately and perform these first aid care depending on the type and mode of poisoning:

You’ll find more details on these modes of poisoning in our article on dog poisoning symptoms and treatment. In all three cases, however, call to consult your dog’s vet about the best move to take. Bring your dog to the vet clinic after the first aid, taking with you any available samples of the poison.

Dog First Aid for Road Traffic Accidents

Road traffic accidents can cause extreme injury and damage to your dog or turn fatal. Even when there are no obvious signs of injury, accidents can cause internal bleeding and injuries, head or spinal injuries, broken bones, or a ruptured diaphragm. 

As such, a dog that has been hit by a vehicle should be checked by a vet right away. However, first aid care should be given to your dog to preserve life, ease pain, or prevent adverse damage. 

Our guide to dogs in traffic accidents explores every minute detail on the nature, effects, treatment, and prevention of dog traffic accidents. But here’s what to do as first aid for a dog hit by a vehicle: 

Dog First Aid for Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a situation where your dog’s body temperature drops below recommended levels to dangerously low levels (normal levels range between 37.7°C [99.9°F] and 39.0°C [102°F). Hypothermia can be caused by cold weather, sickness, or blood loss.

Extremely low temperatures can cause your dog’s body to shut down, and if unattended, hypothermia can be fatal. Clinical signs of hypothermia in dogs include shivering, an irregular heartbeat, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and pale gums.

If your dog has hypothermia, perform these first aid steps:

Dog First Aid for Electric Shocks

Electric shocks are not a very common emergency among dogs, but they are serious. When they happen, it is usually because a dog has chewed an electric cable.

Electric shocks can cause burns, adverse damage to organs, and even death. If your dog suffers and survives an electric shock, you should see a vet immediately. However, giving first aid to a dog who has an electric shock can save the pet’s life and prevent extreme damage from internal or delayed shock consequences.

Here’s are the steps for giving first aid to a dog with electric shock: